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He's definitely one of the favourites, but it depends on the weather conditions imo. Giro 2012 had rain and cold all over the second and third week, which obviously benefited Hesjedal on the longer run as a much heavier rider than his competitors, except Basso. If the 2013 Giro has relatively good weather it's up to the lighter guys to take the win.

the giro is basically every year rain and cold. only exception was 2005.

I'm even considering a nice bet on him. He's a much better climber than Wiggins, if he doesn't have an offday he can win this.
Whatever happens I'm supporting him if he goes.

Could make for a better race if Purito loses masses in the long ITT - might force his hand before the last 500m.

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I thought Ryo told us Quintana is not going.
And Scarponi, well, he's just as embarassing as Basso but I wanted to put more than just one italian in the poll

Scarponi did a bad Giro this year and was still 4th. Embarassing that is not.

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It's interesting how almost nobody rates Hesjedal... why would he be worse than Gesink, or even Nibali? This is how Vaughters likes it, he'll start as the underdog once again, but to me he has an equal or bigger chance than those guys.

Of course he has a way bigger chance than Gesink, who needs to improve a sh!t ton over his 2012 level to be considered a podium contender. To just expect that that will happen is nothing more than wishful thinking, IMO. I think Nibali is generally more consistent than Hesjedal, though, although both have their bad days.

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